Having moved to Germany at the age of 13, Bảo Châu often found herself quietly listening to heated debates about politics. She realized that the experience of being a young person with a different skin color in a German classroom was something not everyone could understand. After the COVID-19 pandemic, that sense of distance grew sharper, pushing her to seek a new environment—one where diversity was not only present but truly valued.

Her decision to apply to UWC Robert Bosch College and earn a full scholarship opened up a genuinely multicultural world. Through hallway conversations, quick meals in the cafeteria, and late-night group study sessions, her understanding of “policy” transformed. She began to see policy not as abstract words but as empathy, listening, and action for real people.

Let’s follow Bảo Châu’s inspiring journey.

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A Passion for Policy Shaped at UWC

At UWC, Bảo Châu pursued the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma with a flexible curriculum that allowed her to dive deeper into her favorite subjects: Economics and Global Politics.

Her fascination with politics began with a 4,000-word essay on the impact of China’s “Nine-Dash Line” dispute in the South China Sea on Vietnam. Over a month of research, she engaged with diverse perspectives—from different nations, communities, and affected groups. This complexity revealed to her how policies prioritize certain needs over others, sparking her deeper interest in international relations, law, and human rights.

But the most profound lessons came from her “classroom without walls”: friendships with peers from more than 80 countries. Policy was no longer just theory—it was lived experience. It was her Afghan friend’s fear of losing education rights under Taliban rule. It was her Palestinian classmate’s sleepless nights with family trapped in conflict. It was the fiery debates between a Chinese friend and a Taiwanese friend over sovereignty. It was her own role explaining to classmates how Vietnam’s policies helped the nation not only avoid economic decline but even grow during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gradually, she realized that policy is not just ink on paper—it is the rhythm of everyday life, the embodiment of human rights, and the privileges that some take for granted. “Afghanistan” and “Palestine” were no longer distant countries; they were her friends, directly shaped by policy decisions.

From these experiences, her dream to become a policymaker—someone who designs solutions to protect human rights—took root. She came to understand that true policy must be grounded in real experience and the voices of the people.

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A Passion for Policy in Action: The UNICEF Journey

As a minority growing up in Germany, Bảo Châu often felt underrepresented. These experiences sharpened her awareness of inequality and the lack of youth voices in decision-making.

In 2022, determined to make a difference, she applied to the UNICEF Germany Youth Advisory Board. Being elected by peers nationwide filled her with pride and strengthened her resolve. Together with other youth advisors, she organized impactful initiatives and became a bridge—amplifying young people’s concerns to UNICEF leadership.

However, she soon realized that even meaningful initiatives often remained surface-level, not addressing the root causes. She began to reflect more deeply: How can young people’s voices, especially those from marginalized groups, truly be integrated into policy decisions?

This question became central during 2023, when Spain held the EU presidency. Representing Germany, she joined 12 other youth delegates across the EU in designing a large-scale survey for European youth. More than 10,000 responses were collected and compiled into a manifesto presented at the European Parliament in Belgium, supported by over 30 politicians.

Standing before policymakers, presenting the voices of thousands of young people, Bảo Châu experienced the power of youth advocacy: when given a platform, it can reach the policy table. Yet she also faced a sobering truth—although their ideas were heard, they were not fully reflected in policy outcomes.

From this, she internalized a core belief: policymaking is not just drafting documents—it is listening, empathizing, and weaving together diverse community voices. This is the seed of her dream to become a policymaker who creates concrete, meaningful solutions for human rights and social justice.

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The Sweet Reward of Persistence

When building her college applications, Bảo Châu identified Colorado College as her dream school—not only for its academic excellence but for its strong commitment to anti-racism.

As a migrant who grew up in Germany, navigating multiple identities while facing stereotypes and underrepresentation, she found resonance in the values Colorado College stands for.

She also understood that test scores and extracurriculars alone would not capture her whole story. What mattered most was telling it authentically: from a Vietnamese girl growing up in Germany with layered identities, to a young woman determined to connect policy with lived experience and bring meaningful change.

For months, she worked closely with her MiYork mentors, revising essay after essay—sometimes meeting four to five times a week—until her application fully reflected her journey. Each draft wasn’t just a step toward admission but a testament to her perseverance and growth.

And finally, the reward arrived: Colorado College (ranked #29 among U.S. Liberal Arts Colleges) awarded her a prestigious full-ride scholarship covering tuition and living expenses for four years.

This achievement is not only a well-deserved recognition of her relentless effort throughout high school but also the beginning of an exciting new chapter.

MiYork believes that with her preparation, resilience, and passion, Bảo Châu will continue to shine brightly as she embarks on her journey in the United States.

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